Understanding the Meaning and Function of Formal Wear
Formal wear, formal dress or evening dress is basically the traditional Western attire category suitable for the more formal events, including Christmas, weddings, confirmations, funerals, matrimonial ceremonies, Easter and carnival traditions, as well as some state dinner, ball, and sports events. Formal clothing, in western tradition, is generally a two-piece outfit consisting of a top and a bottom piece. A trouser and jacket are usually absent. Formal wear can be selected from a wide variety of western, semi-western, provincial, African and Asian patterns. Formal wear is categorized into Western and Eastern wear.
The most popular form of formal wear includes black tie and tails, which are worn for weddings and other festive formal events. Tails are usually worn on formal events in black, white, red, or burgundy. Ties are worn in a variety of styles depending on the occasion and locale. Formal gowns and long dresses are generally worn for state dinners and ball ceremonies, while wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and evening gowns are worn for more special occasions such as honeymoons. Formal wear is generally equated with power and wealth, hence the prevalence of the so many great designers that have mastered the art of formal wear.
Formal attire is particularly appropriate for evening and pageants. The most famous form of formal wear is the frock coat. Though originally designed for men, the frock coat has now been adopted by women to earn recognition in the fashion industry. Formal gowns and dresses, which used to be mostly worn by men, are now being made available in more common sizes to cater to the needs of women. The popularity of the frock coat has given it a stronger hold among women than previously.